The Perfect One Day in Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful Washington national parks and will take your breath away with its stunning views. And it is home to Mount Rainier, the iconic 14,410-foot volcano. Mount Rainier National Park has some of the best viewpoints, trails, and waterfalls, making you quickly fall in love with the area.

When we visited Mount Rainier National Park, we were able to see most of the must-see attractions on our itinerary in one day. It was a long but fun-filled day in the park!

Mount Rainier National Park has many things to do, including lakes, trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives. Although you can spend an entire week exploring everything it offers, you can see many must-see attractions in one day. This guide has everything you need to know about how to spend one day in Mount Rainier National Park!

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Tips for Visiting Mount Rainier National Park in One Day

Mount Rainier National Park has five sections: Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River/Mowich Lake. Each of these sections offers something different and beautiful. If you are hoping to hike in all five parts of Mount Rainier National Park, I recommend spending at least a few days in the park to have plenty of time to explore each section.
Get your timed entry reservation in advance. Mount Rainier National Park now has a timed entry reservation system for entering the park between 7 AM to 3 PM during May through September for Paradise and July through September for Sunrise. You should get these as far in advance as possible since Mount Rainier National Park is a busy park. If you do not have a permit, you can still enter the park before 7 AM and after 3 PM.
Winter conditions can last through July. Some roads and trails in Mount Rainier National Park can have snow and ice through the summer, so it is crucial to read recent trail reviews, pack the appropriate hiking gear, and talk to park rangers if you have questions. The NPS has a great resource with the road conditions and trail conditions throughout the year.
Arrive at the trailheads early. Mount Rainier National Park has over 2 million visitors per year, so the popular trailheads become crowded early. I recommend arriving before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid most crowds.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some trailheads have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away when you finish the hike. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

Where to Stay Near Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier has four sections: Sunrise, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, and Carbon River/Mowich Lake. A few towns near Mount Rainier National Park near the park have accommodations, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.

If you have or can rent camping gear or a campervan, I highly recommend it because there are campgrounds close to Mount Rainier National Park. If you are interested in renting a campervan, I highly recommend renting from Escape Campervans.

Hotels:

Campgrounds

White River Campground (near Sunrise)
Silver Springs Campground (near Sunrise)
Buck Creek campground (near Sunrise)
Cougar Rock Campground (near Paradise)
Ohanapecosh Campground (near Ohanapecosh)

What to Pack for Mount Rainier National Park

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

The Perfect One Day in Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary Itinerary

This one-day itinerary in Mount Rainier National Park explores the most beautiful areas in the park! It includes stunning hiking trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints that will leave you in awe.

I also mention alternative hiking trails if you do not want to hike long trails. Get ready for an epic one-day in Mount Rainier National Park!

Narada Falls

To start this incredible day in Mount Rainier National Park, you will visit one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in the park! Narada Falls is a 168-foot waterfall in the southwestern section of the park and will quickly become one of your favorites.

One of the best things about Narada Falls is how easily accessible it is. You can enjoy the upper viewpoint from the parking lot or hike the 0.2-mile round-trip trail to the lower viewpoint. Both are beautiful, but my favorite is the lower viewpoint. No matter which one you choose, you will love visiting Narada Falls!

Skyline Trail Loop

Now, it is time to head further into the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park. This area has beautiful views and fun hiking trails for the entire family.

One of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park is the Skyline Trail Loop. I fell in love with this trail because the views are unmatched. On a clear day, you can see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood! And you get an up-close and personal experience with Mount Rainier.

The Skyline Trail Loop is not easy and will make you work for the views, but it is worth the effort! I recommend hiking the loop clockwise and heading towards Panorama Point first. The 6-mile loop travels through stunning wildflower fields while providing breathtaking views of Mount Rainier.

The first half of the trail is my favorite because the views of Mount Rainier are unmatched. And once you arrive at Panorama Point, you get stunning views looking south over the surrounding mountains.

Although I recommend hiking the entire loop, you can turn around after Panorama Point, making the hike four miles round-trip. But if you continue on the loop, you will walk over beautiful ridges with views of the surrounding mountains. At the end, you hike past Myrtle Falls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park.

Alternative hikes: If you want to hike a shorter trail, you are in luck! The Paradise section has two short trails with beautiful views of Mount Rainier, and you will not be disappointed with either.

Alta Vista Trail: This 1.6-mile round-trip hike is a short alternative to the Skyline Trail. The trail is mostly paved and travels through beautiful fields of wildflowers while providing views of Mount Rainier.
Nisqually Trail: This 1.1-mile round-trip hike is the easiest trail of the two but does not lack views. Nisqually Trail is paved and travels to beautiful viewpoints of Mount Rainier.

hiking guide for skyline loop trail

Myrtle Falls

Myrtle Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park because it is incredibly picturesque, with Mount Rainier in the background. And the best part? The 0.7-mile round-trip trail is paved, making it easily accessible! The trail brings you to a viewpoint on a bridge with stunning views of Myrtle Falls and Mount Rainier.

If you hike the entire Skyline Trail Loop, you will pass Myrtle Falls along the final portion of the trail. If you did not or opted for an alternative hike, you can easily add Myrtle Falls to your one-day itinerary before heading out of the Paradise section!

Reflection Lake

Reflection Lake is exactly what it sounds like - a serene lake with beautiful reflections of Mount Rainier on a calm day. Although the best time to capture a reflection is at sunrise or sunset, you can take in the beautiful views any time of day.

Although you can see Reflection Lake from the parking lot, I recommend hiking down the short path to its shores. You can see Mount Rainier, and if you are lucky, a beautiful reflection of it in the lake.

Grove of the Patriarchs

NOTE: Currently closed due to trail damage. Read more here.

Have you ever wanted to walk under 300-foot-tall trees? Grove of the Patriarchs is the perfect place to do so! You will feel small in the best way as you walk under the towering trees.

Grove of the Patriarchs is a classic hike and a perfect addition to a one-day itinerary in Mount Rainier National Park. The easy 1.5-mile round-trip trail travels past some of the largest trees you will ever see! It is home to cedars, hemlocks, and Douglas-firs that are 40 feet wide and 300 feet tall. It is the perfect hike for the entire family to enjoy.

Fremont Lookout

At the end of your one day in Mount Rainier National Park, it is time to head into the Sunrise section of Mount Rainier National Park. The Sunrise section has many trails, and Fremont Lookout is one of the most beautiful!

Fremont Lookout is arguably one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park because the views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains are unmatched. But the hike is not easy! It will make you work for the views, but it is worth it.

The 5.7-mile round trip hike begins on the beautiful Sourdough Ridge Trail towards Frozen Lake before turning right onto the Fremont Lookout Trail. The entire trail offers stunning views, so you will not be bored!

Once at the top, you have stunning 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, Berkeley Park, and Grand Park. If you have the correct gear and want to hike for sunset, you will not be disappointed hiking to Fremont Lookout at the end of your one day in Mount Rainier National Park!

Alternative hikes: Although you cannot beat the views on Fremont Lookout, the Sunrise section of Mount Rainier National Park has many other beautiful trails!

Sourdough Ridge Trail: If you want to hike a shorter trail, you are in luck! Sourdough Ridge Trail is a stunning 2.8-mile round-trip trail with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier.
Burroughs Mountain Trail: Burroughs Mountain Trail is another one of my favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park. The 9.5-mile round-trip trail is strenuous but gives you an up-close and personal experience with Mount Rainier. And if you do not want to hike the entire loop, you can turn around after the First or Second Burrough Mountain since the views are spectacular there.

Fremont Lookout Hiking Guide

burroughs mountain trail in mount rainier national park

If you want to spend one incredible day exploring Mount Rainier National Park, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip! It has everything you need to know about the best things to do in one day in Mount Rainier National Park!